bob's fireworks

The Fourth of July holiday conjures up images of cookouts, watermelon, time at the lake and, of course, fireworks to celebrate our country’s independence from Great Britain. But the fun times can turn to tragedy if precautions aren’t taken when lighting the Roman candles, bottle rockets and other things found at local fireworks stands.

Fireworks for Life is an organization based out of Boonville that aims to give back to the community through the sale of fireworks.

Jim Edwards, founder of the organization, has been in the fireworks business for nearly his entire life. 7 years ago, his son needed a liver transplant that would cost $30,000. The local community came together and rose over $25,000 to help alleviate the burden and contributed to a successful operation. That's when Edwards came up with the idea to use his fireworks stand to help raise money for the community as a way to pay it forward.

Hot dogs, American flags, and the cheers of children were among the sights and sounds in the air today at Fulton’s 2nd annual Fourth of July parade.

This year’s parade in Fulton honors the city’s WWII veterans, and members of the military.

Fulton resident Ellie Fritz said she loves Independence Day, and thinks the parade was especially meaningful this year: “It’s a tribute, especially for the WWII veterans, but all veterans,” Fritz said. “ But a special emphasis on WWII this year.”

Missouri public-safety officials are cracking down on DUI and other violations this Independence Day holiday. There will be more officers than usual patrolling Columbia throughout fourth of July weekend. In addition to at least one scheduled DWI checkpoint, officers will also patrol major highways and busy streets for unsafe and aggressive drivers.

Some efforts have already begun. This past weekend one DWI arrest was made in Cole County and 406 vehicles were stopped during a checkpoint at U.S. 54 on Hammond Drive. \

Extra patrol officers from the Columbia Police Department are scheduled to enforce fireworks ordinances from July 1 to July 5. While the police department typically has extra officers on duty around this time every year, this is the first year possession of fireworks is illegal in the city limits.

Columbia Police Department spokesperson Latisha Stroer is asking that individuals with fireworks complaints call the non-emergency number at (573) 442-6131 and not 9-1-1.

It’s now against the law to possess fireworks within the city of Columbia. City Council members voted Monday night to amend the city code, making it easier for police to enforce fireworks restrictions. Owner of Bob’s Fireworks, Bob Gereau says the change could hurt his business since many of his customers live in Columbia.